RAYOL CANADEL SUR MER DESTINATION GUIDE

ABOUT THE LOCATION

A tiny village, nestled in the pine forests lining the coast, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer is Provence’s best kept secret. A charming resort with an idyllic location between the Mediterranean and the Maures Mountains, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer boasts pristine scenery, lush greenery, and a rich cultural heritage. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with some of the best beaches in the South of France, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer is also home to the renowned Domaine du Rayol botanical gardens.

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer represents an exciting opportunity for those looking to invest in property in the South of France away from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts along the coast.
With its prime location on the French Riviera, the town attracts a steady stream of tourists throughout the year, ensuring a robust demand for rental properties.

Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer's natural beauty and beautifully preserved environment make it an attractive destination for eco-tourism and sustainable development projects including a newly-developed cycle route and greenway leading to nearby Cavalaire and Le Lavandou. To find out more, see our guide on renting out property in France to learn more about how to monetise your Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer property.

DISCOVER THIS SECLUDED CORNER OF PARADISE ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA

ADVISERS’ OPINION

With a prime location on the French Riviera, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer’s sandy beaches are the ideal spot for sun-soaked days spent with family and friends all set against the backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean.

WHY BUY

Beautiful beach town surrounded by mountains
Balmy Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine each year
Easy access to the ski stations of the Southern Alps
New greenway and cycle path connecting the resort to nearby Cavalaire
A short drive from Bormes-les-Mimosas and Saint-Tropez

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Built on terraces with multiple staircases leading from the resort to the beach
Home to the renowned Domaine du Rayol botanical gardens
Set on the 130-km Route du Mimosa
Outdoor lifestyle - scuba diving, windsurfing, catamaran, fishing, tennis, golf, horse riding
A short drive from both Toulon and Nice airports

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

With a focus on sustainable development, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer has been implementing initiatives to preserve the natural environment and promote eco-friendly practices including the creation of a bike link with the Lavandou allowing you to bike 120 km from Six-Fours to Saint-Raphael along a protected bike path. One of the iconic beach staircases was recently renovated and the local government has also invested in improving transportation networks, ensuring convenient access to and from the town especially during the busy summer months.

HISTORY

Once an isolated stretch of coast linked to La Mole by a narrow footpath, in 1885 the Provence railway opened up access to this corner of the Riviera and Rayol became a resort town for artists and writers looking to escape the Parisian winters. In the roaring 20s, the area was further developed as a tourist resort with the addition of 35 km of roads, staircases, gardens, hotels, a beach pier plus a small harbour.

In 1944, Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer welcomed allied troops during the invasion of Provence, an event which was marked by the creation of a memorial pillar in the grounds of the former Rolls-Royce company property and a small chapel on the site of the former railway station.
After the end of the second world war, the resort quickly became a popular destination for families in search of sea, sun and beautiful scenery in the Gulf of Saint Tropez.

THE TOWN TODAY

Set on the coastal D599 road between Bormes-les-Mimosas and Saint-Tropez, Le Rayol on the eastern side of the village has a small collection of shops including a grocery store, a butchers, boulangerie-patisserie, a small supermarket and a pharmacy.

There are several restaurants and bars with Mediterranean specialities such as bouillabaisse, grilled lobster, seafood platters and more on offer. For an aperitif with a view, head over to the terrace of the Villa Douce hotel with its panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the Îles d’Or.

A lively summer destination, from April to September, a daily market is held in the Place Michel Goy every Friday morning plus during July and August there is also a nightly craft market and several festivals and concerts celebrating music, the arts and local traditions such as olive harvesting.

Hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts will love the Sentier de l'ancienne voie de chemin de fer and the Circuit de découverte du Rayol while with six sandy beaches within walking distance, a full range of water sports including diving, snorkelling, surfing, paddle boarding and more are all available in the Gulf of Saint Tropez.

Known as the Garden of the Mediterranean, the Domaine du Rayol is an unmissable destination while you’re in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. A large botanical garden overlooking the Mediterranean, this beautiful collection of over 800 varieties of trees, bushes and flowers is divided into different botanical regions of the world, including of course Le Jardin de la Méditerranée.